Golf | US Open

Merion US Open attracts highest ever entry total

This year's US Open at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pennsylvania has attracted a record total of 9 860 entries, the United States Golf Association (USGA) said on Thursday.

The number of applicants for the June 13-16 tournament eclipsed the previous best of 9 086 for the 2009 US Open at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York.

"The fact that we have a record number of entries, from across the world, is a testament to both the great appeal of the US Open and the historic nature and grandeur of Merion Golf Club," USGA Executive Director Mike Davis said in a statement.

The US Open, the second of the year's four majors, will be held for a fifth time on the classic East Course at Merion. The most recent US Open staged at Merion was in 1981, won by Australian David Graham.

American Webb Simpson will defend the title he clinched by one shot at Olympic Club outside San Francisco last year, after overhauling overnight leaders Jim Furyk and Graeme McDowell.